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Fun & Weird Temples in Kyoto

Already done all the big spots in Kyoto—or just sick of the crowds? These fun and weird temples and shrines are definitely not going to be listed in your typical tourist guide!

Going to Gotokuji, The Lucky Cat Temple

If you are obsessed with cats, then if there is one temple you should visit: Gotokuji Temple—the temple adorned with hundreds of maneki neko, or lucky beckoning cat statues.

Discover Kanzanji Temple in Shizuoka

Head to central Japan to recharge your batteries at this incredible power spot, and have the best freshwater eel you've ever tasted while there!

AAJ Adventures: Goishi Coast

What's waiting for you along the cliffside shore of Goishi Kaigan in Iwate Prefecture? A team of AAJ editors and a videographer head out to Ofunato to capture the natural wonder of the region.

Top 5 Spots on Tropical Ishigaki Island

Ishigaki Island is home to some of the best spots to visit in Japan, and we've got five incredible places for you to check out while you're in the area!

Leave Naha for These 4 Hidden Okinawa Islands

Okinawa Prefecture is full of smaller islands with stunning nature and beaches. Why not take a quick trip away from the busy capital of Naha and find a secluded beach all to yourself?

Top 5 Things to Do & See on Yakushima

Yakushima is far removed from the hustle and bustle of mainland Japan. This mountainous island with its misty, primeval forests enchants visitors who come to take in the amazing scenery.

3 Brilliant Beaches for a Lake Biwa Barbecue

Take your family out on a day trip to the beach for a relaxing BBQ on the shores of Lake Biwa, the largest natural lake in Japan. We've got three great options for you.

Kyoto Temple Offers Rare Autumn Illumination

Mark your calendar, because this year the stunning Rurikoin will be open for public viewing only from Sunday, November 1 through Monday, November 30.

Top 9 Photogenic Heart-Shaped Spots In Japan

Love is in the air! Whether found in nature or built by design, your heart will be filled to bursting when you catch a glimpse of these heart-shaped spots throughout the country, just begging to be photographed!

The True 'Deep' North: Caving in Tohoku

Big, small, weird, wonderful, and beautiful! Welcome to the world of caving in Tohoku!

Takachiho: Climb into the Land of the Gods

Take a tour through Takachiho, home to the cave where the sun goddess once hid herself away, and possibly where her grandson descended to Earth to found Japan's imperial line.

Top 10 Natural Power Spots of Kansai

Japan is a haven for beautiful nature, and Kansai is one of the best places to experience just that.

Flock with the Seagulls at Kabushima Shrine

Take flight with our writer Nick as he heads back to Tohoku to visit a shrine that's quite literally 'for the birds!'

What Exactly Are Japanese Power Spots?

Heard the buzzword 'power spot' but not sure what it means exactly? We'll fill you in!

A Perfect Weekend in Kobe

Kobe is Kansai's best-kept secret. Its foreign influence is a great attraction, while often overlooked is its ancient history and natural beauty. This guide sets you on track for an awesome weekend getaway.

The 14 Hottest Hokkaido Ski Spots

Hokkaido offers good snow, great resorts, and fantastic scenery—not to mention superb après-ski, with hot springs and local delicacies to enjoy. Here's our run-down of 14 hot spots to hit on Japan's northern island!

Top 20 Power Spots in Japan

Japan seems to be overflowing with so-called 'power spots.' Here are 20 of the best, many of them tied to mountain worship, ancient shrines, and the very origins of Japan.

Go Natural at 4 Amazing UNESCO Sites in Japan

All across Japan, you can easily find an incredible mix of technology and greenery. And among all of its protected natural sites, four of them are UNESCO natural sites! Let's explore these verdant green wonderlands!

All About Mount Fuji: A Comprehensive Guide

From viewing the mighty mountain in traditional artwork to witnessing an incredible sunset at the mountaintop, there's so much to love about Mount Fuji!

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